VHOC News

Login

News & Events

Information

Application for Membership

Classes

Instructors

Training Site Rules

VHOC Dogs

VHOC News

Tuesday, 20 March 2012 00:00

VHOC Welcomes Lorri Bernson and her Guide Dog, Carter!

Friday, April 13, 2012 at 7:30 p.m.

Canoga Park Lutheran School

7357 Jordan Ave., Canoga Park

Lorri Bernson lost her sight to diabetes at just 33-years-old. After a seven-year roller coaster of surgeries in an attempt to save some her vision, and ultimately realizing the reality of her new life as a blind person, she got her first guide dog, Nigel, in 2002. When Nigel retired, Carter took over the job of Bernson’s companion and guide. The two are an unstoppable team. Bernson works as the media and community liaison for GDA, and in August 2011, the two took the mound at Dodger Stadium and threw the first pitch of the game! (Carter willingly admits that Bernson, having the thumbs, has a better arm.)

Honest, informative and witty, Bernson is a wealth of first-hand information on the life-changing role of a guide dog. Come learn the ins-and-outs of living with and loving one of GDA’s specially trained dogs. Can they ever play with toys? Do they get time off? Just how does a guide dog help his person safely cross the street? How are they trained? Who is eligible to receive a guide dog? How does one become a puppy raiser? Now’s your chance to discover answers to all you’ve ever wondered about the wonderful world of guide dogs.

To ensure the safety and comfort of Lorri and Carter, please DO NOT bring your dog to this meeting. Thank you for understanding.

RSVP to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it no later than Wednesday, April 11.

Wednesday, 11 January 2012 00:00

Join Us for VHOC's 2011 Awards Banquet!

Valley Hills Obedience Club will be hosting the Annual Banquet celebrating 2011 on Saturday, February 18 from 6:30 to 10:00 pm at the University Club, California State University, Northridge.

Click here for the invitation which includes event details and the RSVP form which must be mailed to Lindia Brown no later than Wednesday, February 8.

Hope to see you there,

VHOC Banquet Committee

Monday, 12 December 2011 00:00

Competitive Obedience Seminar with Catherine Zinsky

VHOC is pleased to present a 2-day Competitive Obedience Seminar with Catherine Zinsky on March 10-11, 2012.

We are offering early registration exclusively to VHOC members until November 15, 2011. After that date, it will be posted on Catherine's website and opened to the public.

Mail-in registration only, limited to 15 working spots, $150 per working participant (2 days), unlimited auditing spots at $100 for 2 days or $65 for 1 day.

Click here for details and the mail-in entry form.

Direct inquiries to Nancy Giltner:

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Sunday, 11 December 2011 00:00

Trial Catalogue Draw Winners:

The winning numbers from this years Trial Catalogue Draw were 23 on Saturday and 14 on Sunday. Congratulations to Lindia Brown and David Zelitzky, and a big thank you to all that participated!

Saturday, 12 November 2011 00:00

VHOC Come Out on Top at Top Dog

Arriving to rain-soaked trial grounds didn’t dampen the spirits of this year’s dedicated Top Dog team. On Saturday, Nov. 12, the VHOC team turned in its best overall performance to date, ending the day in first place out of 15 competing obedience clubs. This is a first for VHOC; the club’s previous best was fifth place overall.

In Top Dog, two dog and handler teams compete in each of the three levels: novice, open and utility. Teams accumulate points for each exercise successfully completed, rather than the “pass/failure” nature of a traditional competition. The top four dogs (from each of two rings) in each level advance to round two. Five of the six competing dogs on our team made it to round two.

Scores in round one determine team placements. Scores in round two count toward individual placements. Following round one, our team was tied with the Labrador Retriever Club of Southern California. It was the first team-score tie in the history of Top Dog. As a tie breaker, one dog from each level was called back into the ring for a heeling pattern (plus signals for the utility team). Ann and Trooper, Patti and Chili and Sharon and Pepper did our team proud. It was a close face-off, but team VHOC came out on top!

Individual Team Stats as Follows:

Novice

Ann Hills and Trooper – Finished round one in second place. Advanced to round two and the team run-off. Finished the day in second place overall out of 30 Novice dogs.

Gwen Lucoff and Pasta – Won a three-way runoff for second place in round one. Advanced to round two. Finished the day sixth overall out of 30 Novice dogs.

Debbie Lang and Quila – Novice alternate. Endured the group stays in the rain!

Open

Patti Rovtar and Chili – Finished round one in second place. Advanced to round two and the team run-off. Finished the day seventh overall out of 30 Open dogs.

Jody Duskhes and Dickens – Finished round one in fourth place. Advanced to round two. Finished eighth overall out of 30 Open dogs.

Evelyn Johnston and Eddie – Open alternate. Happily supported the team!

Utility

Sharon Clarke and Pepper – Finished round one in third place. Advanced to round two and the team run-off. Finished fourth overall out of 28 Utility dogs.

Stephanie Colman and Quiz – Finished round one in sixth place out of 14 dogs competing in ring #1.

Allison Pobirs and Quinn – Utility alternate. Helped keep us organized!

Special words of “thanks” go out to:

· Laurie Burnam and Allison Pobirs – Our dedicated co-captains who made it all happen.

· Lindia Brown and Joyce Davis – Who volunteered to take on our team’s assigned task of feeding the judges and trial workers.

· Debbie Lang and Laurie Burnam – Who trekked out to Bloomington on Friday to set up our team’s headquarters.

· Sarah Sykes – Team cheerleader and paparazza.

· Carole Raschella – Designed the logo for the front of our always-popular team t-shirts.

Additional “congratulations” go out to:

· VHOC member Teri Chang (and Edge) who, while competing on behalf of the Golden Retriever Club, earned first place in Nov. and went High in Trial with a score of 199.5.

· VHOC member Bob Trujillo (and Mondo) who, while competing with Pasanita Obedience Club, finished fifth place overall in Nov.

Congratulations to the “top dogs” of the 2011 Top Dog Team!

Monday, 07 November 2011 00:00

VHOC Fleece Hunter Green Vests!

The club will be ordering Fleece Hunter Green vests, embroidered with our logo, to be offered to members for $28. Available in ladies' and men's sizes from XS to 3XL.

The 100% polyester vests have an adjustable hem with barrel locks and shock cord, front zip pockets and feminine cut on ladies' sizes. Men's style is tapered with side seam pockets.

If you would be interested in buying, please email Carole Hills at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Ladies' Vest	Men's Vest

More Articles...

Page 1 of 4